Draw Close To GOD ... Part Eight

©Lightwritingmatters 2015

Dictionary: adjective

deserving of praise; laudable:

Additional Theme Scriptures: Examples of being praiseworthy

1.      “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good report… By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” [Heb 11:1,2,5] KJV

2.     “And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.” [James 2:23] KJV

3.     “When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” [Luke 3:21-22] NIV

4.    “5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” [Matt 17:5] NIV

Remarks on Previous Verses

1.      In Hebrews we find the definition of ‘faith’ followed by a list of individuals who appear due to notable act[s] of faith. In verse 5 is the second* account of GOD, the CREATOR, recognizing a person as pleasing HIM. HE noted  Enoch was ‘praiseworthy’ by saying Enoch ‘pleased GOD’. Enoch was first mentioned in Genesis 5 but was called GOD’s friend in Hebrews 11:5.

2.     Abraham was noted by Moses [Gen 15:6] Paul [Romans 4:3 & Gal 3:6] and by James [James 2:23] as proof that demonstrating faith is how GOD recognized Abraham’s righteousness and thus became praiseworthy by 3 different Bible writers and GOD HIMself.

3.     The ultimate praiseworthy person was Christ. As you note by #’s 3, 4 above, GOD, Father to Jesus, said of HIS Son HE was ‘well pleased’. Instance #3 was after Jesus was baptized. Instance #4 is at the transfiguration.

*NOTE: At Genesis 4:4 Moses stated that GOD looked with ‘favor’ upon Abel and his offering. He respected/regarded Abel for his offering. Abel was laudable for his offering.

Commentary:

The scriptures abound with actions taken by historical Biblical figures that wound up as praiseworthy by GOD.

A consideration of praise. Many in today’s world are members of groups of believers who strive to do all that their church requires and somehow wind up feeling as though they fall short of praise from GOD because they mistake praise from their church leadership, or the lack thereof, to be evidence of how GOD feels about them. While we must live a praiseworthy life, it is not the approval of man that should be important to any Christian. We live our lives as Christ’s followers and while we do all things for the good of all, we do all things in submission to our Christ, our King, and to our Father in the Heavens. It is they who are the future to which we look when finishing this life. If we see how certain people of the Bible were pleasing to GOD we know HE is indeed capable of being pleased with us when we live with and exhibit the right heart. A humbled believing heart.

Continuing  

¯       Part Eight:

ü If there be any Praise

From Vine’s Expository Dictionary:

Greek word: epainos

Definitions: Praise:

"…denotes "approbation, commendation, praise;" it is used,"

(c) of whatsoever is "praiseworthy," Phl 4:8; [Strong’s Definitions G1868]

 

To expound a little more on the definition:

From Strong’s Definitions”

ἔπαινος épainos, ep'-ahee-nos; from G1909 and the base of G134; laudation; concretely, a commendable thing:—praise.

Conclusion

Having arrived at the concluding character qualities of Philippians 4:8 it is fitting then to remember we pray, study, and practice until whatever is true, honest, right, pure, lovely, of good report; if anything is virtue or praiseworthy – becomes not a lofty goal to attain, but instead, who we have become. Our personal and spiritual integrity fully intact responding to life each day ‘supernaturally’ in an honorable way. As we focus on this may these words become our reality:

 “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters,

®in view of God’s mercy,

® to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—

®this is your true and proper worship. 

®2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, 

®but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. 

®Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” [Rom 12:1-2] NIV – emphasis on verses by author

We will have stops and starts. We will mess up. We will excel. But if we pray daily and many times during the day to focus and refocus on the trait[s] we wish to work on we will then test and approve what is GOD’s good, pleasing and perfect will! Sometimes those prayers will be apologies asking forgiveness for mistakes we make. Other times prayers of thanksgiving because we surprised ourselves by a reaction, an action, a word spoken. Also, try to recall, though we want to treat people as Christ wants, we are not doing this to please people but to be pleasing to GOD. Our integrity is first and foremost designed to please GOD but if we say or do something that creates controversy because it is pleasing to GOD but not to man, we take honor in being rebuffed for our faith and adoption by GOD not man. On the other hand, those times we do surprise people and receive praise we would always want to forward that to GOD for without HIS loving directions and guidance, no good could be accomplished.

If there be any praise …continue considering these things.

Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you

©Lightwritingmatters 2015

©Lightwritingmatters 2015